Five vegan recipe ideas for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of the most meat-centric holidays we celebrate. We literally call it Turkey Day. So is it possible to make it vegan-friendly? Embarking on a quest for festive meat- and dairy-free recipes, I asked my vegan friends for their favorites. The results are mouthwatering. You don’t have to be vegan (or accommodating vegan guests) to enjoy this spread. From classics like pumpkin pie to creative meatless entrees, these dishes can definitely find a place on your Thanksgiving table.

Or order your vegan fare ...

Want to stay out of the kitchen this year? Drop by one of these Tampa Bay restaurants or bakeries for vegan Thanksgiving fare. We won’t tell anybody that you didn’t make that smash-hit pumpkin pie.

HaleLife Bakery offers tons of vegan, gluten-free holiday pastries, including a pumpkin pie ($24), a peach cobbler ($24) and a dozen caramel apple crunch doughnuts ($30). If you don’t have time to make biscuits for your holiday gravy, grab a box of Take and Bake Biscuits (six for $18). You can pick up your treats between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Nov. 17 to 21. 3351 Tech Drive N, Suite 13, Clearwater. (727) 265-3372.

The gluten-free Craft Kafé also offers some vegan goodies, including pumpkin breads ($4 for a mini loaf), pecan bars ($5.50 each), galaxy bars ($5.50 each), pumpkin truffles ($3 each) or vegan cakes upon request. If you order a dozen or more, you get a 10 percent discount. Craft Kafé will be open through Nov. 21 until at least 3 p.m. 6653 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, (727) 914-7443; and 200 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, (727) 256-8587.

If you’re looking for a vegan-friendly holiday event, you can join the Vegan Thanksgiving Community Potluck at Community Café at 1 p.m. Nov. 22. The cafe requests that you bring a vegan dish that serves six to eight people, along with serving utensils and an ingredient list for guests with potential food allergies. The cafe will provide some desserts, “vegan pumpkin mac n’ cheez” and a meatless turkey, as well as plates, napkins and forks. It costs $6 to attend, or $16 if you’d rather not bring a dish. To sign up for the event, email [email protected] or RSVP through the restaurant’s Facebook page. 2444 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. (727) 222-6979.

Want more stories like this? Sign up for our Cooking Newsletter

Get cooking inspiration, recipes and other food trends and tips delivered to your inbox every week.